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. 2022 Aug;26(8):2676-2685.
doi: 10.1007/s10461-022-03606-8. Epub 2022 Feb 8.

Understanding PrEP Acceptability Among Priority Populations: Results from a Qualitative Study of Potential Users in Central Uganda

Radhika Sundararajan  1   2 , Monique A Wyatt  3   4 , Timothy R Muwonge  5 , Emily E Pisarski  3 , Andrew Mujugira  5 , Jessica E Haberer  3   6 , Norma C Ware  3   7
Affiliations

Understanding PrEP Acceptability Among Priority Populations: Results from a Qualitative Study of Potential Users in Central Uganda

Radhika Sundararajan et al. AIDS Behav. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can safely and effectively prevent HIV acquisition in HIV-negative individuals. However, uptake of PrEP has been suboptimal in sub-Saharan Africa. The goal of this qualitative study was to identify facilitators of and barriers to PrEP acceptability among target users not taking PrEP. Fifty-nine individuals belonging to Ugandan priority populations participated in a single in-depth interview. Participants perceived themselves as being at high risk for HIV acquisition, and expressed interest in PrEP as an HIV prevention strategy. Two forms of stigma emerged as potential barriers to PrEP use: (1) misidentification as living with HIV; and (2) disclosure of membership in a priority population. Acceptability of PrEP was dampened for this sample of potential PrEP users due to anticipated stigmatization. Mitigating stigma should be a key component of effective PrEP delivery to reach UNAIDS goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Keywords: HIV prevention; Pre-exposure prophylaxis; Priority populations; Scale-up; Uganda.

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Conflict of interest statement

We have no conflict to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Map of study recruitment areas in Central Uganda. Dots indicate hospitals (red) and health centers (black) where PrEP is distributed (Color figure online)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Diagram of findings relating to acceptability of PrEP
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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